Karh CW9 vs Kel Tec P11 vs Kel Tec PF9 for CCW

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TennJed

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I posted this on the general handgun forum, but meant to post it on the auto forum. I have no idea how to move it so I apologize for the double posting

Guys I am looking at getting a sub compact 9mm for Concealed Carry. I want to keep it around $400.00 or less. These 3 models (Karh CW9, Kel Tec P11,& Kel Tec PF9) keep popping up b/c of size and $.

Can anyone tell me more about them or have other suggestions.

right now I am leaning toward the P11 b/c of extra rounds and my LGS has it for $270.00

Thanks
 
Among the ones you listed the Kahr wins hands down. Might also want to look at the new Ruger LC9.
 
I agree with denster that Kahr wins. You can feel the quality difference just by holding one. They cost more because they are so well made. I also agree that you may want to look at the LC9. Ruger has made some fine products at a very good price point. I own a Ruger P345 and CC in a High Noon Split Decision or Fobus paddle.
 
I vote Kahr without hesitation. The CW9 isn't what I'd call sub-compact but it is very concealable and comfortable to shoot (for me).

I have only recently purchased mine (about a month ago) and it has been flawless and I can shoot it better than I expected. It takes the place of my much loved J-frame when I am somewhere where I can carry.
 
Id pick the CW9 hands down as well. It might have a smaller capacity but theyre easy to shoot(Ive shot 300rds in a range session with no problems) which is hard to say about the Keltecs. People seem to complain about the recoil on the P11 and especially the PF9. With the CW9, you'll get a 1/2" longer barrel and a little lighter but much, much smoother trigger. The Kahrs seem to be more refined and overall a better product.

However, with a tight budget in mind, its hard to beat the Keltecs. They still arent a bad pistol(Id buy one over a Taurus) but seem to have more cons than the Kahr's.
 
milq said:
I vote Kahr without hesitation. The CW9 isn't what I'd call sub-compact but it is very concealable and comfortable to shoot (for me).
Click to expand...

Its a sub-compact to me. Its too big for pocket carry and isnt a compact sized(4" barrel) gun, so its sub-compact.
 
I have a P11. Bought it about 14 years ago. I like it for what it is. It is a bit snappy but it is a small , light gun so it, like the others, is gonna recoil.
The trigger pull is long and relatively hard. (that's what she said). I've dry-fired my friend's PF9 and the trigger is better and the gun is much thinner. I've never tried the trigger on a Kahr. My friend complains about the shape of the grip on the PF9 hurting; I think it's due to the large serrations or checkering. A Hogue grip sleeve would probably fix that. I also have done the pencil eraser trigger stop mod to lessen overtravel.I also have the trigger shoe installed. I'm not sure if the PF9 needs either but they've made my P11 nicer to shoot.
 
Kahr's have the best stock DA trigger in the business....
In this comparison...the CW9 without question.
 
I ordered a Kahr CW9 last week...it should be arriving in just a couple of days, and I'm eagerly waiting for it. It'll be the first polymer, DAO striker fired gun that I've owned in 35 years of handgun shooting. I was convinced to try one after handling one recently. I liked its slimness and lack of external levers, knobs and doodads. It felt very good, had a very nice, short trigger for a DAO, and seemed to be of significantly higher quality than most of the others that I found for a very reasonable price. As many here have said, I've heard almost 100% positive reports from people who've used them.

I can't wait to see it and try it out.
 
I have two CW9s (one for me, one for wife) so you know where this is going...
 
FWIW, after my weeks of research I went with the CW9. It should be in tomorrow and with any luck I'll be able to slip away long enough to pick it up at my LGS...
$369- at Bud's seemed like a good deal on a quality weapon. Time will tell if it works out for me, but most everyone seems really pleased with them.
 
The CW9 and the P-11 and PF9 are not really comparable...the last two (especially the PF9) are really pocket pieces where the CW9 is not.

The Kahr equivalent of the 2 Kel-Tecs, the PM9, has a steeet price of more than double....sorry but too much for a pocket piece that will inevitably get scratched and battered with time.....Kel-Tec are solid, reliable, utilitarian pistols.....perfect for pocket carry....they may be not as nicely finished as the Kahrs, but they are as reliable (if not even more) and with a solid company and customer service behind it...good enough for me.
 
saturno_v said:
The CW9 and the P-11 and PF9 are not really comparable...the last two (especially the PF9) are really pocket pieces where the CW9 is not.

The Kahr equivalent of the 2 Kel-Tecs, the PM9, has a steeet price of more than double....sorry but too much for a pocket piece that will inevitably get scratched and battered with time.....Kel-Tec are solid, reliable, utilitarian pistols.....perfect for pocket carry....they may be not as nicely finished as the Kahrs, but they are as reliable (if not even more) and with a solid company and customer service behind it...good enough for me.
Click to expand...
Are you forgetting the new Kahr CM9? Based on and exactly the same size as the PM9 will be available almost any minute and IMO will easily out class the PF9 and P-11.

CM9.jpg
 
Are you forgetting the new Kahr CM9? Based on and exactly the same size as the PM9 will be available almost any minute and IMO will easily out class the PF9 and P-11.
Click to expand...


....still more expensive and....ouclass for what?? The P-11 and PF-9 (especially the first) are well proven design....for very close range emergency work is all you need...they are not range tools....
 
saturno_v said:
....still more expensive and....ouclass for what?? The P-11 and PF-9 (especially the first) are well proven design....for very close range emergency work is all you need...they are not range tools....
Click to expand...
I don't disagree and yes the Kel-Tecs will serve you well.

I have owned both a P11 and a PF9 and yes the Kahr is more expensive and it also has a much better trigger than the PF9 and a much, much, much better trigger than the P11.

The Kahr can be shot faster because it handles recoil much better than either of the Kel-Tecs, is much more accurate, at least for me it is and last but not least is the workmanship difference.
 
The Kahr can be shot faster because it handles recoil much better than either of the Kel-Tecs, is much more accurate, at least for me it is and last but not least is the workmanship difference.
Click to expand...

I did shot coupe of small Kahrs....I agree that the trigger is marginal better (in my experience) but I haven't noticed any particular difference in recoil...and again, all these things means almost nothing for the intended use of this class of handguns.....I can quickly put an entire magazine in a man sized target at 7-10 yards with my P-11.....is all I need.


Better finishing yes (not necessarily better engineering or quality of construction...the P-11 is a little technical gem) but something you pay for dearly...in my opinion, the P-11, PF-9 are better value for the money.
 
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I have owned a Kahr CW-9 from its introduction. A flawless, reliable 9mm
that is large enough to get a good grip on; but yet small enough to conceal
comfortably~!
Click to expand...

I agree with that. The PM9 is almost too small. The CW9 is big enough to get a good grip on it. They are an incredible value at under well under $400 OTD.

It is a good consistent smooth trigger pull. It is a bit long but so far I like it.
 
I had a P11, sold it and bought a PF-9. The PF-9 has a great trigger, works well for a pocket gun, is more than accurate enough, pleasant to shoot at the range, reliable to a fault, and a great buy. I do recommend a couple things, dry fire it enough to smooth the action (A-Zoom snap caps are worth the price) and take an emory board and smooth some of the sharp ridges. My PF-9 has gone almost 3000 rounds now without single malfunction other than ones I purposely induced, I wanted to see just how badly you could limp wrist one before it had a FTF, turns out you have to hold it very loosely.

For twice as much money you can get a Kahr, but I really don't feel you get twice as much gun.
 
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